News | January 9, 2012

Distributors, Warehouses Doing More With Less: Survey Points To Important Role Enterprise Scheduling Software Can Play In Today's Supply Chain

A recent survey by the Supply Chain Group shows that distribution centers, warehouses, manufacturing sites and other facilities nationwide are seeking ways to operate efficiently with fewer resources. Appointment-Plus online enterprise software is a cost-effective and proven approach to streamlining the dock-scheduling and delivery process at these locations.

Scottsdale, AZ (PRWEB) - Enterprise scheduling software from Appointment-Plus could be the perfect solution for today's distribution centers, warehouses, manufacturing sites and other facilities, based on a recent survey by the Supply Chain Group that reveals many of these sites are leveraging cost-reduction methods to sustain their operations with reduced staff and fewer facilities. With 95 percent of the 6th annual "Warehouse and Distribution Center Operations Survey" respondents stating they are actively taking steps to reduce operating costs, a proven dock-scheduling and delivery system can be a key component to operating more profitably and efficiently.

As the worldwide expert in enterprise scheduling software since 2001 and creator of the industry's most flexible and feature-rich application, the Appointment-Plus enterprise scheduler has all the functionality inbound facilities need to completely streamline and improve the manner in which they schedule and manage their shipments and deliveries. This includes online driver and carrier self-scheduling, which enables dock supervisors and managers to better allocate and utilize their staff and facility resources.

Online self-scheduling, along with the automated e-mail and text message reminder function that comes standard with the system, can significantly reduce the likelihood of missed or late drop-offs, as well as curtail employee overtime pay by assigning schedules based on precise delivery times.

"Proper management of deliveries and shipments is an often overlooked link in the supply chain," says Bob La Loggia, CEO of Appointment-Plus. "However, it can have a significant impact on overall operations, especially if a facility has an inadequate or missing process.

"Appointment-Plus is the premier dock-scheduling application that can instantly transform the way sites manage this important task."

The scheduling process can be more difficult than it seems, which is why many scheduling software providers fall short in their capabilities. Given the vital role dock- and delivery scheduling has in the logistics supply chain, it's imperative that facilities implement a system that can handle their unique and specific needs. Appointment-Plus has been the global leader in enterprise scheduling system software since 2001 and has the expertise and knowledge to customize a facility scheduler that's just right for any inbound facility, regardless of their size or scope of business.

The application is especially suited for Fortune 500 companies, enterprise-level organizations, corporations and large and medium-sized businesses, thanks to such unrivaled services as:

A highly scalable system that allows organizations to easily accommodate increases in workload, users and growth.

Web services, including integrations with existing software systems.

The most configurable scheduling software system available.

24-hour support from its headquarters in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Dedicated business and support contacts.

Turnkey", existing solutions that are instantly ready to go live.

Custom graphic user interface (GUI) development.

Robust reporting capabilities.

Among the organizations that currently utilize Appointment-Plus enteprise level software for their dock-scheduling needs include ConocoPhillips, Crescent Crown Distributing, EcoLab, Pepsi Bottling Company and Sonoco.

"Economic conditions and trends continue to force businesses and organizations to find cost-effective and proven solutions to continue to operate effectively," La Loggia continues. "For a growing number of distribution centers, warehouses, manufacturing plants and other facilities that receive inbound shipments, that solution comes in the form of Appointment-Plus."

To learn more about Appointment-Plus enterprise scheduling software, click here.

About Appointment-Plus: Appointment-Plus is the worldwide leader in online scheduling solutions for growing businesses, enterprises, higher education, government and logistics. With over 15 million end-users and 75 million appointments booked since its inception in 2001, Appointment-Plus is one of the fastest growing cloud-based services in the world. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., organizations ranging in size from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses use Appointment-Plus to book an average of 2.5 million appointments monthly.